Patisserie Valerie - Leicester Square in City of London, Westminster

I have to say I have been a fan and a lover of Patisserie Valerie for many years. I used to go the one in Leeds at least once a week fr breakfast. I've come to this one (in Leicester Sq) a few times and I have to be really really honest.. It's gone down so much and it's such a shame. I hate leaving negative reviews, but I am honest and I hope it helps to improve things. There is so much wrong, I don't know where to start. The service was poor, the waiter didn't write down what I ordered and he had to come back and ask me to confirm what I ordered. However he then bought me the wrong food. All he said was, I'll get it changed and I was left waiting for a while. When the food (I ordered Eggs Benedict, with a side of beans) did come, it was cold and under cooked. Again I will be honest and say, I was left disappointed. They do have some amazing sweets, cakes etc.. but the service in this case was a let down. I can't say that would not go back, but I can't promise I would.

Sad that there are so few branches left post their accounting debacle. Meeting a friend near Leicester Square Tube, so the first good cafe which caught my eye. Great coffee (American, Cappuccino and Macciato) it was a long meeting. The Apple & Cinnamon Croissant was good but bizarre. A flat pastry which required a knife to cut it. Looked nothing like a croissant... Hayling Seagoon

Cakes look nice but the quality of the ingredients is low, mostly dry components which relying on sugar to enhance the senses instead of flavours and real baking skill.

Nice place to have coffee and cake, staff very pleasent, its clean and a great place to sit and watch the world go by. We will go back

I came with my family, ordered a chocolate cake and after 10 minutes the waiter came back to me saying that there was none left, when I ordered in front of him there were 5 pieces of it. Also very rude staff.

Theres a different price on the board abd much more expensive when the bill arrives. How nice to cheat on customers this way

We came here for afternoon tea at 3pm. Our first waiter was really nice, but when his shift was over we found it really hard to get any attention from the remaining staff. They were very busy, but we felt like any request we made was an annoyance to them, and we were left waiting a long time. They also didn't come to check on us once. We had to go to the till to pay the bill.

Visited as part of an afternoon tea gift package with no pre booking needed. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Sitting area is very tired and in need of refurbishment. Afternoon tea was with unlimited drinks with a selection of sandwiches, scones with cream and cakes. Although freshly made some sandwiches and scones were dry which was disappointing. Wouldn't recommend and luckily done on a voucher but the staff made it a more pleasurable visit

We went for afternoon tea. As we had a voucher. The place needs a really good makeover as it’s very shabby and dirty. The sandwiches were very bland and the cakes were ok. It’s definitely not a place we would return to. If they want to continue running as a business they should take more pride with the place and there products.

We had a voucher for afternoon tea for two and, as we had just been on a boat trip nearby, decided to go to this one in Charing Cross Road. The shop itself really badly needs a make-over - it is quite tatty, with almost zero atmosphere. HOWEVER, the staff are really great - friendly, helpful, attentive and they, and the kitchen, looked after my husband in particular, with his various allergies. Sandwiches were made especially for us without any of the possible allergens and we were made aware which cakes might be a problem, so all went well. The sandwiches were very fresh, the cakes delicious and my husband particularly enjoyed the scones with cream. We had tea and I ordered an extra flat white, which was complimentary - a nice touch. Can't say we will go there again, purely because of the actual shop being so tatty, but nothing wrong with the food and the staff were ace!

Stopped off for cream tea (£5.25) which was lovely and great value for money. Not many folk about though so I had the cafe to myself for part of the time. Service was good too.

Went in here after having listened to some great jazz, and was only going to have a coffee but saw the cream tea for two at only £7.95. got good service and nice scones plus tea and coffee.

I've often gazed in the window and admired the cakes on display but sadly will do no more. After a visit to the National Gallery we decided to pop in for afternoon tea, the shabby surroundings quickly made up our minds to only stop for a coffee and a cake. Whilst deciding what to have,my friend started coughing and despite trying to attract the attention of a waiter she ended up getting up and asking for a glass of water. This was supposedly going to arrive immediately but as we left there was still no sign of it. We opted for two cappuccinos and a pretty ghastly mille feuille with a bright yellow synthetic tasting creme patisserie all for an eye watering £14.75. Overpriced and disappointing so I won't be salivating at the windows in future.

Was in London a d popped in whilst walking past. Food and service were ok. Didn't have poor experience others have referred to.

We visited here for a pot of tea and cake but the service was so bad, I’ve never seen anything like it. We had to ask for a menu after being shown to our table and not given one for 5-10 minutes. Once we had chosen, the very simple order took 20 minutes to arrive. Not only that, I had to actually get my own cakes because they were waiting on the side about 2 metres from our table and nobody delivered them to us. The waiters seemed absolutely useless, having a conversation and a laugh with each other but forgetting their job completely. Would never return, terrible service and not worth the time we wasted.

Fantastic service and amazing food ! Such a great experience, manager on a morning shift totally took care about me and my visit in this store!

Visited here today and our server completely ignored us numerous times when we tried to grab her attention and when we eventually did get her attention and place our order of 2 pots of tea it took almost 20 minutes to arrive. Please hire more...

The waiter totally ruined my experience. Ordered a smoothie, but got a cake of a kind. I thought that the waiter maybe heard the wrong when I ordered. Tried to get eye contact with him to fix this, but that was impossible. Reached another waiter...

I was visiting London and was just passing by and saw the pic of the winter spiced cheesecake and when I walked in they were sold out , somehow the wonderful waitress called someone and I was thrilled to have it be Bliss

Very disappointed, I was really looking forward to trying PV. We asked for scones and when they arrived, they were fruit scones, which my companion doesn't care for, apparently they only do fruit scones (!!), so she asked for a croissant, which was ok. I...

Good coffee and cakes, place packed with tourists all being indecisive and fussy, you have to feel for the waiters!

We had a bad service experience. We received our coffee and finished it before deserts came. We had to ask for the desserts as we had been seated for 15 minutes. Once we finished the desserts, we were still waiting on the second cup of...

This is not the best option to have a breakfast. The waitress is very slow and she forgets anything you ask for. The flavors are very flat and simply. Not recommended.

I had a voucher for Afternoon Tea for two at Patisserie Valerie, and was rather concerned as there were so many negative reviews online. I was very pleasantly surprised. The staff were very pleasant and helpful, and the tea was lovely. We were seated quickly,...

Genocide notwithstanding, few crimes greater than a hard poached egg. And £6.75 for a single crummy piece of toast with flavourless avocado... don’t bother. The added star (2 not 1) is for the lovely waitress who is super friendly and helpful.

The cakes were really good as was the generous pot of tea, although it was difficult to understand why it took so long to arrive. There was a queue out of the door when we arrived and when we left, so people clearly appreciate what...

As part of a trip to London we had afternoon tea and cake at a Patisserie Valerie! Due to their recent financial difficulties their numbers have been reduced - but we found one at Charring Cross. It was a busy Saturday afternoon and we had...

Waited a long time to come to PV as near me use to be queues out the door - went to resort world Birmingham, had salad and a bottle of wine very enjoyable on 21st May - in London for my birthday 23rd May so...

I was pleasantly surprised. Great coffee and a smashing quiche. Service was a tad slow, but apologies were given. All in all a nice experience. Lovely to sip coffee and watch the world go by. I only work round the corner, so I'll be back.

I went to Patisserie Valerie was very nice atmosphere. Rachel served us she was very friendship and helpful. We just ordered caffe but she made this caffe special with her smile. I will come back to eat a strawberry cake and talk again with her.

Seems like there is no one who is in charge, very badly managed. Lady at the till laughed when I asked for a Vat receipt, she did that horrible snoring sound. Although the gent who got us cakes was polite. When leaving to my thank...

Had a lovely brunch here, lots of choice! Staff were so friendly and the food was delicious. Have been to numerous branches and this place has always been consistent with quality! Would recommend a visit for brunch or afternoon tea plus their cakes are worth...

Very nice cakes and tea. The service was also OK. However, it is cramped and isn't very comfortable and easy to navigate around between tables. I would avoid it if it's particularly busy but would consider it if there was enough space.

Called during a trip to London with our 23 year old daughter who is lactose intolerant. As suggested on the menu we asked what they could offer. The waitress was unable to say what they could offer other than porridge made with Almond milk. Very...

Littles cakes and sandwiches from the Afternoon tea was delicious. We have ordered 1 and we eat 3 which it was definitely enough. However, I consider they should add more sweet cakes o variety as we all know this bakery for the colourful and delicious...

We had a lunch here. My husband had Welsh Rarebit which he said was very nice, and I had a toasted BLT sandwich which was OK, but very dominated by the taste of rocket which I don't really expect to find in a BLT. We...

I ordered a cream tea. The menu stated warm scones, however when they arrived, they were cold. The service was extremely slow and the waitress was very stressed as the place was extremely busy. As a result, she was in a bad mood! The tables...

We were very happy to find this place open and extremely busy . We had a great afternoon tea here took photos and had an enjoyable time munching our way through an assortment of finger sandwiches ,warm mini quiches and scones ,mini cakes jams and...

First of all the price: 2 slices +1 to take away, 1 tea, 7 truffles=19:55£. You can add a nice place, a warm welcome (thank you Dalila), the chance to charge your mobile and a clean place for free. The cakes were scrumptious. They'll see...

Well what can I say? I now know why this restaurant chain is in trouble -it really needs refreshing and relaunching with refurbed premises and improved quality confectionary. We called here today to enjoy a lovely beverage with a delightful cake, unfortunately we did not...

Great selection of cakes, the inside is very warm and inviting and the staff there are very friendly and professional

Popped here with a business colleague for an afternoon treat of something sweet. The venue was great for a quick catch up with someone like that. It feels more relaxed than meeting for a full on business lunch. The staff were very friendly and helpful...

With heavy rain falling after an excellent Lord Mayors show we decided to stop and have a coffee and late lunch. We were greeted by a friendly hostess and were informed that we may have to wait as there were 4 other parties before us....

Stopped here by chance because it was raining and we felt like a coffee. I am a big fan of millefoglie and my husband loves any dessert with lemon in it so we ordered two espressos and one millefoglie and a tart au citron. The...

A nice little patisserie with good cakes. They get an extra point for going out of their way to make my 6yo daughter have a great experience.

A quick lunch before seeing The Cursed Child. A couple of all day breakfasts, a couple of sandwiches, great drinks and a very pleasant setting. The cakes look good as well. Nothing more to wish for.

The staff were very good and the food was fantastic. We had High Tea, even though it was breakfast time. It was delicious!!!! I’ll use any excuse to go back there again.

Was here twice last week for tea. On day one they couldn’t wait to get rid of us as we turned up after a theatre show but with 30 minutes before closing time I’m not sure what the rush was for. We managed to have...

After drooling at the window we entered Valerie's and bought some cakes and slices. So fresh and delicious. Servings are huge at fair prices. Eat in or take away. Best cake shop in London :)

Just popped for a cappuccino and got really good service. The coffee was strong and bitter, just like it should be and not a cup of frothy milk like the faux lattes served under this name by so many chain coffee shops. The interior was...

Great little place to relax with friends for a coffee and a dessert. They have a good selection of fresh cream cakes and individual treats. It was very busy and no tables, we waited 10 minutes to be seated and staff were very busy and...

The first cake I ordered, a custard slice, was hard either end where there wasn't any plastic protecting it. Took it back and checked another that was the same so changed it for a black forest cake and that was the same I ended cutting...

Popped in after dinner one night on my trip when I was craving an apple tart. Service was a touch slow (I ordered tap water to drink and it came out only once my pastry was warmed up), but the pastry itself was excellent.

Staff were rude and abrupt. Ordered breakfast tea and peppermint tea, both were like dishwater and massively overpriced.

Popped in for a quick breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed the mashed avocado and poached egg on toast. A tad on the expensive side £13.70 including a coffee and orange juice. The service was very good.

Saturday morning visit for breakfast. Very fast and attentive advice from waiters. Good food and hot drinks. The usual high standard I have come to expect from Patisserie Valerie. This is a good location for Soho and Covent Garden

Very busy on the Saturday afternoon we there but staff coped well! Several tried to queue jump...I don't think so! Good selection teas/coffees and every cake imaginable!

Tried they made Macarons, they are really good, the price is fair, and the place looks nice, recommend to try!

Early evening visit, midweek. Apple juice straight out of the economy shelf of the supermarket (only sweetness, no acidity). Service slow and one incorrect mains brought. The Winter Pie was almost inedible with hard pastry and dried out filling. Sat facing a rear window which...

I had dinner here after watching Part 1 of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play and before returning back for Part 2. It is walking distance to Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Ave. The price was great and the quality was good. 12.95 BPS...

We were there for breakfast two time: one seated and one to go. Pastries are fresh and pretty good and we are demanding (we are french). Staff is very friendly

Although I love the cakes from Patisserie Valerie, always very fresh and tasty, it was the excellent service from Maria that made me write this review. I first went to this shop in Charing Cross Road in November, when I was looking for a cake...

We hadn't been to a Patisserie Valerie before, but having spotted the yummy looking cakes in the window when passing this one the previous night, we decided to round off our evening, having previously partaken of raclette and mulled wine in Leicester Square, with cake...

We had afternoon tea in lieu of having dinner. The waitress was very helpful and efficient and the tea was yummy. It's a nice way to enjoy an afternoon tea that is ample for two people.

We were given a 'voucher' for afternoon tea for 2, and chose this branch becasue it was near the Portrait gallery. Good choice. The tea was fab..finger sandwiches dainty and well filled,plus mini quiche.. scones warmed, and served with yummy jam and proper clotted cream,...

Just dropped by for a slice of cake & a cup of coffee. Tried their Double Choc and Double Machiato, not bad but not good either.

Extremely rude tattooed female staff. She literally screamed at me for sitting down on a table that was empty. No assistance to seat customers; if they had then people would not have to wrestle for tables. She should be arranging stock at the back pantry...

Me and my friend visited patisserie Valerie in a Tuesday afternoon and I definitely won't be coming back, the service was terrible, we ordered tea and waffles, the tea came after 10 min but no trace of waffle, we thought that they just needed a...

Great place to stop and grab a desert before a play or after dinner. Three of us had the deserts and everyone enjoyed them. Would definitely visit again.

Trailed over town with a wheelchair as it was described as wheelchair accessible but got there to find that the door with the ramp had a table set up across it with people dining and a large step at the front. Left disappointed as they...

I have had 'take-away' pastries, and those have been fine, though the service slow. This time, I was kept waiting for 30mins before the cake ordered/paid well in advance, finally showed up. 4 members of staff seemed to play 'pass the message' while I waited,...

We had lovely five o'clock tea in this patisserie two weeks ago. Attentive staff, appropriate atmosphere, good choice of cakes (although we found them too sweet to our taste), reasonable prices. Recommended.

Lots of these around now and all pretty much the same. This one though was rather nice and staff good too, I find lots blank faces in them nowadays! Service was good, nice coffee and all in all one I'd recommend!

Great way to start a day in London, brunch - well full English breakfast. Try filling well cooked, nicely presented. Lots of choices available - recommend. Reasonable prices for London

Pastries were sickeningly sweet, beautiful presentation, but all looks and no substance. The service was slow and the coffee just okay--skip it.

It was too early to have cakes or pastries, so we had the Eggs Benedict (okay but not exceptional) and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, which was good, but just a lot of it. If I were to do it again, would have split the...

Disappointing when a place calling itself a patisserie serves up croissants and pains aux raisins that are still doughy and undercooked. Mass produced I suspect.

Stopped by here for some tea and another day for breakfast and was pleased both times. The place isn't very expensive and has some great desserts which are super pretty. Service was quick and servers were friendly. The good thing is that they have several...

Very attentive service from carlos as always , good quality in pastries and good coffees. Highly recommended .

The place was extremely busy and there's not a great deal of space, but the afternoon tea for two was exceptionally good value. Proper tea (as much as you like) and a three tier cake stand with finger sandwiches, two fruit and two plain scones...

I work nearby and Got a salmon bagel to take away at 9am, expected it to be fresh for breakfast. It was completely stale and had specs of mould on it. This place used to be very good for sandwiches. Probably won't be back now,...

We stopped off here whilst having a walk around London. It was pretty busy but we managed to grab a table for 2. We ordered 2 hot chocolates, an apple tart and some cheesecake. The hot chocolates were lovely - it was clear they they...

Went on one weekend. Teas was ok, nothing special. Cakes was nice, a lot of different varieties to choose from.

We enjoyed a most delicious afternoon tea. Everything tasted fresh and scrumptious. Although surroundings were rather cramped, the very friendly waiting staff were attentive.

The food was lovely, freshly made sandwiches and egg tart , cakes very nice , lovely bite size . Surroundings a bit drab and quite squashed , not a lot of room ... Staff friendly .

Didn't have to wait for a table, seated straight away. Although a queue did form which meant the door was open and as we were sitting close to it, it was rather cold. Usual menu with scrumptious cakes. The chap that served us had a...

Place is to crowded and you don't have quite. Coffee is nice, I tried the pecan crambel which is nice. Not more.

We were using a Groupon voucher for afternoon tea, and chose this venue because it was conveniently located in relation to a theatre we were attending that night. The food was quite good (we had high expectations because of all the goodies that PV display...

Dirty & rude, what else can I say, I can't really expand on that. With so much choice we could of done better

Patisserie Valerie is a series of pastries shoppe across London that offers a number of gluten free options for those of us with gluten sensitivities. The location on Charing Cross Road is a small corner shop that required a wait for a table but the...

We were lucky enough to stay just above this delicious bakery. Such a treat. Amazing variety of flaky pastries and more!

To die for. I didn't have any cake or tortes off the display, but they looked divine. Good luck making a choice through, I for one wouldn't be able to choose just one. The place was super busy on a Saturday night, but you couldn't...

I tend to drink my fluids on the cool side but even this flat white was cold by my standards. I would have sent it back but we were due to go to the theatre. Walked in the toilet and then out again. Urine in...

We stopped by for a late breakfast/early lunch: Eggs Benedict Royale were delicious, sauce hollandaise is very velvety and not vinegary, and a generous portion of smoked salmon. Eclairs with loose leaf tea were a good addition, definitely will visit again!

I like the selection of cakes and pastries. The staff are very attentive, friendly and helpful. The restaurant is clean.

Went there on a Sunday afternoon. Waited in the queue for about 5 minutes before being seated. Ordered a £4.45 chocolate brownie with ice cream and chocolate sauce (hot dessert). The brownie was alright, but the ice cream was a disappointment - could not find...

The "Afternoon Tea" experience in London is as varied in options, atmosphere and prices as tea options themselves. The choices can go from a very "hip", busy Patisserie to a "posh" and elegant hotel and everything in-between with some priced for two but most per...

The patisserie is really poor and quite bad, te place also lacks of good vibe. I had english breakfast tea and a brownie with ice cream (no flavour, not good at all being a place 'dedicated' to pastries and cakes) I would definitely do not...

Visiting American tourists requested they be taken for 'high tea' during a day trip to London. After a lot of research into places and costings I found this chain to be the most acceptable and realistic pricing for me, despite the visitors stating the cost...

Was enticed in by the beautiful selection of sweets in the window. I had a pot of Earl Grey tea and a custard tart and my partner had an apple pastry with coffee. Great friendly service.